[PHiZ]

I would like to experiment with different OS'es (and OS configurations) on my Mini9. Can anyone recommend a program for cloning/imaging/ghosting the Mini9's SSD? Generally these programs work by booting from an external source and then mounting the main PC drive. I have access to both USB thumb-drives and external USB Cd-Rom drives. I also have an external USB-IDE drive, that I would use to store the SSD images.

Thanks in advance.

[Fallstar]

Quite a number of people here have used Acronis True Image to clone their installs to an upgraded SSD. The Runcore drives have an integrated micro USB port for just this purpose.

[Heed]

I used Acronis and it's pretty idiot proof. Easy to use and it just does what it's meant to do. Good bit of software really.

[PHiZ]

Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like Acronis is commercial software. I was hoping for a free/Open Source solution.

I found some candidates:

"Disk Copy"
http://lifehacker.com/400615/easeus-dis ... hard-drive

"Clonezilla"
http://lifehacker.com/5078397/clonezill ... your-disks

"HDClone"
http://lifehacker.com/157428/download-o ... ay-hdclone

I'm about to travel, so I can't try these out right away. If anyone wants to give any of these a spin, please share your experiences. When I get back I will try them out (well until I find one that works), and I'll share my experience.

[Dr Some-what Evil]

I would like to include the free cloning software from Seagate. Although you do need at least one seagate/maxtor HDD in the procedure. Id recommend getting as large a drive as you can and use that.

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...00dd04090aRCRD

My apologies for the large link but the disc wizard tool/program is there. Support for Microsoft and Mac OS 10.x but no linux.


Dr Some-what Evil

~~EDIT~~

As I have reciently discovered, The Discwizard will not clone anything in a RAID array. However they will offer you a 40% discount on the "upgraded" version of Acronis 2009 home. Kinda sucks as I really want to clone my set-up on my desktop and then restore it to another RAID array of newer and slightly larger disc's. Ive already submitted a support request to Seagate to fix the problem but I have very little hope of any response in my lifetime. In their own forum are 3 other cases just like mine and the only support given was to "un-install then re-install a fresh copy downloaded from the site" Very poor and hardly worthy of the term "support". I will check out some of the other suggestions posted here to try to solve my problem. BTW I think the trial version of Acronis home is quite worthy of making the clone of your SSD when going from the original drive to one made by Runcore.

[94FiveOhGT]

I have a question concerning os software that is similar to this. Am I able to take a licensed copy of XP from my old Dell Inspiron 1200 and put it on to my mini???? :idea: :?:

[holmes4]

Originally Posted by 94FiveOhGT

I have a question concerning os software that is similar to this. Am I able to take a licensed copy of XP from my old Dell Inspiron 1200 and put it on to my mini???? :idea: :?:

By the terms of the Windows license agreement, no.

[94FiveOhGT]

What about doing it on my own terms? Any way to rip/pull it off? Screw microsoft :lol: If not I know people who can get me XP, but just figured I would ask

[holmes4]

Do you have the install CD from the other Dell? From what I've read, it should work as an install on another Dell system.

As a professional software developer, however, I can't condone theft, which is what you are proposing.

[Dr Some-what Evil]

I agree with Holmes4. This is why I use what I use as long as there is a existing XP license key on the hardware. My install disc is marked OEM, bought retail. I use that key on my desktop install. On another XP install disc marked OEM, I use that key as a back-up since the disc never had SP2 included. Basicly I make sure the key I am using is compleatly wiped off the HDD before attempting to reinstall it onto the same machine or another. As for the Mini-9, I used the key thats on the bottom of the device. No problems with getting it Activated through Microsoft.

Try Ubuntu or linux Mint for free Operating systems from people that dont care what you use it for or how you hack it.

Good Luck!

Dr Some-what Evil